Guardian columnist warns AI writing undermines trust and individuality
In a Guardian opinion piece published June 1, 2026, columnist Nesrine Malik argues that the growing use of artificial intelligence in writing poses risks to individual expression, trust, and the quality of public discourse. Malik cites the case of writer Steven Rosenbaum, whose book contained multiple misattributed or fake quotes after he used AI as a research tool. She also references a Commonwealth prize-winning short story that faced allegations of carrying AI hallmarks. Malik states that she avoids using AI altogether, describing its language as a haunting, tinny voice that pervades customer service, social media, and press releases. She contends that writing depends on an individual’s unique alchemy of thought and experience, and that AI can only derive from existing styles, not create new iconic voices. Malik links the “cauterisation of the self” to current politics, where she sees a “Keir Starmer-like voice” of empty slogans and avoidant responses, while extremist rightwing agitators spread disinformation. She notes that running texts through AI detectors has become a “witch-hunt,” and reports that Rosenbaum said working writers use AI because it is “seductive” and “incredibly valuable.” Malik concludes that resisting AI represents an investment in maintaining a shared, credible reality.
What’s reported
Writer Steven Rosenbaum acknowledged that AI output was sometimes “staggeringly wrong” and his published book included multiple misattributed or fake quotes.
A Commonwealth prize-winning short story became engulfed in claims that it carried the hallmarks of AI.
Malik never uses AI and rejects AI results in search engines, calling it a “dark sorcery.”
Malik argues AI can only derive from existing styles, never create a new iconic writer.
Research (unspecified) shows leaning on large language models may reduce brain engagement.
Malik describes a political moment of “a glut of content and bad information” where AI is rampant on social media and in politics.
She writes that “loud extremist rightwing agitators” and “centrist politicians” both contribute to a numbing, hollow discourse.
AI detectors are now used in a “witch-hunt” to accuse writers of cheating.
Rosenbaum stated: “Anyone who is a working writer today … you’re using AI one way or another … because it is not only seductive as hell but it’s really incredibly valuable.”
Malik argues that resisting AI is an investment in “maintaining the veracity of the world we all experience.”
Open questions
The source article does not name the Commonwealth prize-winning story or its author.
No details are provided about the research showing reduced brain engagement from LLM use.
The article does not specify which AI detectors are used or any formal responses to the quoted incidents.
Key figures
Nesrine Malik, Guardian columnist
Steven Rosenbaum, writer whose book contained misattributed quotes
Sources: The Guardian
